8.5
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$2,461.00
Average Mileage:
91,680 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (18 reports)
- replace engine (9 reports)
- never ever buy a toyota corolla (8 reports)
- dealer honoring warranty (2 reports)
- rebuild/replace engine (2 reports)
- use thicker oil (1 reports)
engine problem
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2012Mar 10
Corolla LE 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I have been a toyota owner most of my adult life. I also have a 2005 toyota 4-runner and a 2008 toyota tundra. I have spent a total $84,000 on toyota vehicles and these problems I am reading about with the corollas is really pissing me off. My 2002 corolla is burning excessive oil so I took it to my mechanic. It started using oil probably at 100,000 miles and now it is like a quart every couple hundred miles. My mechanic said it has excessive blow by meaning rings and or pistons are shot. He gave me a price of $3,000.00 for a used motor with 59,000 miles on it. I thought that was crazy especially if this is common problem with the 1.8 liter. I would replace my blown motor with another piece of s++t one. I think we should all get together and bring a lawsuit against toyota and make them recall these engines until all of us are satisfied. I am really considering selling my current toyotas and buying american again.
2011Aug 01
Corolla CE 1.8L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
Been working on a car for a friend that was purchased in Texas. The car currently uses about a half quart every 100 miles. (Determined the problem the first time the car was due for an oil change and had no oil on the dip stick)
-No blue smoke or smell
-No dramatic oil drips (some small oil leaks)
-Will replace PCV just to see if it slows down the problem.
This website has some other things to try, but I'm probably just going to switch her to a heaver motor oil and make sure she checks it often. http://www.corolland.com/repairs.html
Sorry to hear about the problems with this car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Dec 08
Corolla LE
- Automatic transmission
- 162,000 miles
I have had my 2002 Toyota Corolla LE since it had 20k miles. It has been the best car ever and I have only done routine maintenance on it. I have always done the oil changes myself and had only noticed minor oil loss in the past. On my way to work this morning my check engine light came on so I check the fluid levels and found the oil level barely registering on the dipstick. I added some oil, disconnected the battery to reset the cars computer and then reconnected the battery after two minutes. When I started the car my check engine light was turned off but it worries me about the oil loss. It has never leaked oil since I have had it and it appears to only be consuming it. After reading similar complaints I'm now worried I may have to keep adding oil over and over. It sounds like it's a known problem but not worth fixing considering the age of the car. A cousin of mine has a 1996 Corolla with 260,000 miles and it still runs good. I wonder if it's just an issue with the 2002's engine??? I need this car to last me a long time still so I guess I'll resort to trying thicker oil and monitor it frequently.
2011Sep 02
Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Yet another one of these stupid lemons that's eating oil like it's going out of style.
It's my daughter's car, bought used in 2009 from someone who took amazing care of it. My mechanic said it was a fantastic deal for $7K, engine was spotless, etc. My daughter's been commuting back/forth to college with it just this fall, maybe putting 350 miles/week on the car.
Now suddenly when I took it in to get routine maintenance on Sept. 2nd, the same mechanic (Mike) said it looked like it might be "burning oil" and to have my daughter check the dipstick every ~1000 miles. On Oct. 14th, she checked it and it was down to below the first dot (e.g., LOW). So I dumped a quart in to bring it up to the second dot (e.g., GOOD), switched cars with my daughter (she's now driving my 2006 Nissan Sentra since I only commute ~5 miles/day), and set up an appointment for today to find out where the oil was going.
Mike just called me to say it's "consuming" the oil and suggested a flush/clean for ~$85 to perhaps clear out some sludge. I did a Google search and found this site, along with dozens of other similar complaints. Mike also researched the issue and confirmed that it was a common problem.
Some sites with similar complaints have suggested replacing the piston oil control rings to the tune of ~$1700, along with switching to all-synthetic oil (e.g., Castrol Syntec oil), seems to help significantly. As to whether it's worth dumping that much money into a 10-year-old car is something I'm still debating.
Wish I had known all this stuff BEFORE I bought this car. Friends/coworkers all seem to have hundreds of miles on their Toyotas with no problems, so most recommended I get this one for my daughter.
I did a search for 2006 Nissan Sentra on this website and found like 10 hits, mainly about cosmetic issues (e.g., paint, interior trim, etc.). I guess my car is on the "good" list. Thank heavens one of them is.
Never again will I buy a Toyota.
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2010Oct 01
Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
as many others on this website, my 2002 Toyota Corolla has been consuming oil like crazy. no leaking. i add about a quart a week. my mechanic says i should plan to get a new car within the next year. it runs pretty good when there's oil in it.
i'm super disappointed in toyota and won't buy another one. toyotas should last way more than 130,000. i think toyota should step up and fix our cars. maybe not for free..but there should be some seriously reduced price fix for this...they have faulty engines.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Aug 01
Corolla LE 1.8L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Bought new 2002 Toyota Corolla LE with the 1800 4-valve 4 cyl engine which now has 90K on it. Started burning excessive oil at 75K to the point of needing 1 quart per week or every 2-3 hundred miles. In addition now the engine knocks badly and is getting worse. Engine does not leak a drop but rather it seems to be an oil consumption problem. According to the dealer and what I have read this is a known issue with this engine. Something about undersized pistons and oversized rings. Car is long out of warranty and spending $5000 to fix a $4 to 5 thousand car makes no sense. I have switched to full synthetic oil and keep the level past full. I baby the engine and hope it holds together until I can replace the whole car.
Just want to pass along my experience and help people make an informed decision when looking at used Toyota Corolla's. I just bought a new Honda Fit last week but was also looking at the new Toyota Yaris. After my experience I am very skeptical about Toyota's commitment to quality about now and so voted with my dollars on a Honda.
2010Apr 02
Corolla 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
We bought this car used from an auto broker. It was all detailed out and looked great. But when we started driving it, we started hearing rattling sounds after about the first 800 miles, like when I turn a corner or come to an abrupt stop. I checked the oil and found it was at the bottom of the stick. Put a quart in, the rattling sounds stopped for another 800 miles. This has been going on for over a year now! My mechanic says the plugs look fine, so the car is "using" excessive oil, not "burning" it. There's no evidence of any leaks anywhere. We have no idea why it's doing this, but the mechanic says it's too expensive to fix - would require a rebuild! Is there a recall on this model? Will Toyota do ANYTHING?
2011Mar 13
Corolla CE
- Manual transmission
- 102,400 miles
Recently purchased my first Toyota Corrolla CE 2002 with 102,000 miles from my co-worker. It came with engine oil consumption problem. According to my co-worker, his Mechanics has told him that oil consumption is related to the Valve or Ring/Piston problem and it is expensive to fix it. I have to use 1 qt of oil every week with my driving no more than a 100 miles a week.
2nd problem I discovered is rubber around the steering wheel is loose.
What happened to Toyota's quality and service.?? Now I have to think twice before buying my next car...
2011Mar 13
Corolla CE
- Manual transmission
- 102,400 miles
Bought my first Corrolla 2002 CE from one of my co-worker. It leaks oil from the day I bought it. According to my co-worker, the problem started after 90,000 miles. His mechanic has told him it is valve or Ring/Piston problem. I talked to my mechanic about the problem, according to him this is a known problem with every Toyota. It will start burning oil after 90 thousand miles and it expensive to fix. Question is what happened to the reliability of the Toyota which was build to keep running without any problem. Now, with this problem and reading all the problems people reported on the web I have to think twice before buying another Toyota....
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jul 12
Corolla CE 1.8L 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 77,050 miles
My wife bought this second hand about a year ago as a replacement after an accident. I think it's been using excessive oil since the very beginning but I don't drive a lot (maybe a couple of short trips per week) so I haven't really noticed. I recently took the car on a 4000km trip and noticed that it was using 1L of oil or more per two tanks of gas. I brought it in to a mechanic and he checked the compression etc. but couldn't find a problem (he thought it could be due to clogged oil rings). The mechanic suggested I just keep driving it the way it is, but, I'd really like to find the source of the problem.
Also, the car started losing power and stalling whenever the heater fan is turned on. This is not an alternator or battery problem. If I have the car running and turn the heater or AC on it just stalls. If the fan is on when I try to start the car I just can't get it going. If I am driving and turn on the heater/AC fan the car noticeably loses power. The problems with this car are getting really irritating and I'm thinking of trading it in for something else.
Before this I had a 1987 Supra, it still runs great!
2010Jul 12
Corolla S 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 141,000 miles
Bought the vehicle from a dealership a month and a half (3000 miles) ago. Three weeks ago I had the car serviced at my local garage for an unrelated issue and they discovered that the vehicle was over a quart short of oil. I had the oil topped off and went on my way. I took the car in today to the dealership today for my first scheduled oil change as the owner of this vehicle. The technician told me that the oil level was so low that it didn't even register on the dipstick. They think it might be the head gasket. THANK GOD FOR EXTENDED WARENTEES.
2010Jul 06
Corolla LE 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 109,000 miles
My 2002 Corolla is burning oil.I bought it new and took great care of this car.Dealership repair shop tells me I need a new engine for 4-6 thousand dollars, or trade in car for a new one.Will give me 1,000.00 off new Toyota.Never again. Toyota really going downhill.If their is a class action suit count me in.
2009Dec 10
Corolla LE 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
My corolla is going through about a quart a week. I tried Lucas oil treatment and I didn't smell it burning as much. Does anyone know if another treatment will help or if it is just a waste of time?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jan 10
Corolla
- Manual transmission
- 56,000 miles
I own 2002 Toyota Corolla, a station wagon, manual transmission, and I noticed an extensive oil leakage. The car has been regularly services and oil change was done every 3-5K miles. I am the first owner and I took good care of it since the beginning. However, several month ago I've noticed that it has started using more oil. I took it to a mechanic who suggested to use slightly thicker oil than Toyota advises for new cars. So far it appears that it has fixed the problem, and I don't see any performance issues (at least yet).
2010Jan 18
Corolla LE 1.8L 4cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 145,000 miles
Well it appears my 2002 LE has fallen victim to this problem as well. I bought mine early 2009 from a used dealer who had just purchased it from a Toyota dealership (Tanksy Toyota, Dublin Ohio), which still had the dealership's paperwork documenting the comprehensive used car inspection, with nothing noted beyond normal wear and tear for a 7 year old car. It had 130,000 miles when purchased, and ran well during the thorough test drive. Later that week, during a drive to a family function, I noticed the oil light lit, and pulled up to my destination to absolutely nothing on the dip stick. I'm not sure if it was the constant medium revs that a 65-70mph highway trip demands that kicked it in, but it was all downhill from there. ***Quick note: I'm a contractor who drives ~200 stop and go miles a day, however I make it a strict point to drive as gently as reasonable due to needing my car to last as long as possible.*** After filling up with new oil, I checked it every morning, eventually needing to put in a quart or two every 1.5 to 3 days to keep the level correct. I had kept this going for a few months, hoping that this was all I needed to do to keep an otherwise well-functioning car together. I was still getting ok mileage as far as I could tell, always getting at least 300 miles per gallon, even with the constant stop and go driving for my job (and a trunk often full of heavy equipment). Earlier this week, I noticed intermittent power delivery on the highway, and as I slowed down to an off-ramp light, the engine chugged to stay running as it lowered to idling RPMS. I was hoping it was just in need of new plugs or wires, but my mechanic did everything he could with new parts and it still misses and chugs. He said as far as he could tell, it was a deep internal problem and he assumed I'd be told to get a new engine from dealers & mechanics alike. He was unfortunately right. I just find it morbidly funny that among all of my (literally) weeks of research to make sure this was the solid workhorse car for me, that I completely missed this website or any others relating to the leaking oil problem. All I had to do was Google "how much to replace the engine in my 2002 Toyota corolla", and here I was. Major bummer, but if this somehow aids any future purchasers be weary of this surprisingly (seemingly) common problem, then of course I hope it serves to be helpful insight. I'm greatly disappointed that this happened to me, but I can't with good conscience suggest a blanket "steer clear from Toyota" stance, just like I avoided saying the same about my Ford which died a similar death last year. Just be thorough on your research and ask every question you have before picking up a used vehicle. The extra day or two bumming a ride to work as you make absolutely sure your decision is the right one could potentially save you from enduring much greater problems down the road.
2009Apr 17
Corolla CE
- Automatic transmission
- 163,000 miles
The engine started burning excessive oil at around 60,000 miles initially (just out of warranty). I lived with the problem until 100,000 miles later when the engine stalled while driving to work. I was buying oil by the case at that time. The rear of the car near the exhaust was completely black from where burned off oil and settled on the car's bumper and trunk. There was gasoline in the engine's crankshaft assembly! I had my niece's husband (who owns his own garage) replace the engine with a used one for around $2.5k. He got a good laugh watching smoke pour out of where the oil dipstick goes. After 3,000 miles on the used engine, the transmission now won't engage. OK, engine and transmission, these are the two most costly and most important components of a car. With a Ford, I may be able to make it to 100,000 miles on the original engine and save the cost of buying 2 cases of oil a month (ie. $70 a month). I owned a 1995 Corolla and it was better although it burned alternators like crazy. At least it would've been cheaper in the long run. Toyota quality has definitely slipped and their reputation and sales will fall as a result of these MAJOR problems. I don't know what my next car is going to be, but it won't be another Toyota unless they get their act together.
2008Apr 01
Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
2002 Corolla using 1/2 quart oil every approx 100 miles. No blue smoke. Toyota Dealership said:
- replace engine for $5600
- check for $1800 to find cause
- they do not know of the oil gellation problem
However, there is lots of info on the web. Search 2002 Corolla oil loss and it is all there. Also search oil gellation Corolla.
Tell me your stories with this. This is not the quality I counted on from Toyota.
2004May 30
Corolla CE 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Bought this car from my in-laws, thinking that replacing the PCV valve might fix the problem.The first engine locked up on them after 80,000 miles or so. Same problem. They replaced engine w/ a used prism engine, of unknown mileage. In-laws then decided to sell it to us cheap. Good thing since I have to pour nearly 2 quarts of oil into it for every 500-600 miles driven! I'm guessing that this engine has somewhere around 60,000-80,000 miles. Just like everyone else here, I cannot find oil leaks anywhere.
Maybe instead of trying to deal w/dealership, we could all try to contact Toyota Corp. directly and tell THEM our problem. If that doesn't help, maybe a class action suit? Also, check to see if your state has a Lemon Law on the books!
2009Mar 10
Corolla CE 1.8L 4
- Automatic transmission
- 76,500 miles
I cannot believe that a Toyota is having such a problem. Thankfully it is not as bad as some of the horror stories I've read as I am putting only a pint or so every 300 - 400 miles.
2009Apr 07
Corolla S
- Automatic transmission
- 180,000 miles
The car has always used some oil. I had the oil changed 2,000 miles ago... 4 weeks ago. The engine threw a rod yesterday. $3,000 for a new engine. There was no oil in the crankcase. What is happening to the "Toyota Quality". Had a 1986 Camry that went 400,000 miles.
2009Mar 24
Corolla 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
The car had been making a funny noise when driving but I thought it was just from changing my driving from highway to city (moved to a new area). I needed to go in for my scheduled oil change, and made plans to go on the weekend but my oil light started coming on and turning off before the weekend came so I took it into the auto place. Found out my engine was running on dry. The engine needs to be completely replaced.
Had oil pan completely replaced a few months ago, no leaks. Mechanic said that the cause would most likely be that my engine was burning the oil.
I have taken great care of the car, followed all maintenance guidelines (i.e. regular oil filters, changes, brakes, transmission fixes, everything). In less than 3,000 miles, all the oil had "disappeared" from my car. This is awful. I called Toyota and they said that there is nothing they could do because my warranty has expired, but they would put $750 toward the purchase of a new Toyota. Not happening.
2009Feb 18
Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Wow, I am in shock. Mostly, VERY disappointed in Toyota. They need to be uncovered for the dishonest company they have become. I just bought this car like a week ago, and today I took it to a Toyota dealership...surprise surprise! The engine needs to be rebuilt because it burns oil like crazy! Not only that, but the catalytic converter is being clogged up, and they of course, will need to change that too. It's very sad to hear from the mechanic in the Toyota dealership telling me to get rid of it, and buy something else. This is my FOURTH USED CAR that has had problems.... my head is going to explode
2008Jul 01
Corolla CE
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
Noticed the problem when the car began to make a grinding noise only two weeks after buying it. It was completely out of oil. When I refilled it, it only took a couple weeks to run out again. Many months later, I am still pouring lots of oil into the car, and it is deteriorating. It knocks and shakes, and the leaking exhaust is terrible. It is too expensive to fix - I was told to just replace it, but unfortunately I cannot afford either. Too bad I used almost all the money I had right after I graduated from college to buy a "reliable" Toyota..now I can't even fix/replace it.
2008Sep 09
Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Car uses excessive oil. I need to get new oil every 3 weeks!!! Get synthetic because this is a sludge problem! Also, don't buy a 2002 Toyota Corolla.
2008Aug 29
Corolla LE 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 90,000 miles
Noticed while doing my own oil changes that my 2002 Corolla LE used a lot more oil than it should have. People always asked why in hell I was changing my oil so frequently. I replied with, well it's low (sometimes REALLY low) despite only driving it 2-3K between changes. But I thought not much of it, ran great, ran quiet, and enjoyed servicing it. Then to my dismay a couple days ago it began making an awful knocking sound when I accelerated. I was planning on changing my oil in 2 days, but I thought I'd give my dealership a call and see what they had to say. They said without hearing it they could not diagnose. So I took it in. They claimed as soon as they heard it they knew the engine needed replaced, replaced, the engine needed replaced. The car didn't even get wheeled out of the parking spot I parked it in. They checked the oil level and it was EMPTY! It was driven a mere 3,400 miles! And the kicker was the oil level light NEVER came on, the check engine light NEVER came on, nor was the engine running hot. They put oil in and said I should trade it in or replace the engine. I drove it off the lot with it's fresh oil, the knocking sound is still there. I am seeking a different mechanics advice (not wanting to ever deal with Toyota again) and will drive it to the ground changing the oil every 500-1000 miles I guess.
Why am I not surprised that a corporation could care less? Is there any auto corp that gives a crap about it's cars or their customers? Who knows? But I do know one thing I will NEVER EVER buy another Toyota, Lexus, or Scion again! Nor will I allow any family member, friend, associate, or co-worker be led into this trap! Sludge for the loss!
Never buy Toyota, especially the 2002 Corolla, because it's a trap!
2008May 20
Corolla CE
- Automatic transmission
- 51,000 miles
I had a 2002 Toyota Corolla that I purchased brand new in 2001. In may of this year, the engine light came on. Long story short, Toyota of Wesley Chapel told me there was a known sludge problem. Since they had all my service records, they agree to replace the engine as if I had an extended warranty. I paid a $500 deductible, spark plugs and the rental of a vehicle. 63 miles after getting my vehicle back, the transmission went. Toyota said someone had to be sabatoging my vehicle because this had never happened before. Long story short, I traded the vehicle in,which I lost money on due to a bad transmission. I was later told by my service adviser that when they road tested the used transmission they replaced it with, it failed as well. Today August 29,2008, I spoke with the service manager, Jason and he pretty much called me a liar as there was no such sludge problem on my year/make of vehicle and said I must have looked it up on the internet. The service adviser who and service manager who originally told me about the problem are no longer with the company. Toyota has now lost a customer.
2008Feb 01
Corolla S
- Manual transmission
- 80,000 miles
Toyota has settled a lawsuit w/ other models having the same problem (oil low after about 1500 miles, sludge buildup). Dealership mechanic very testy when I mentioned sludge issue saying that my year and model not having the same problems as vehicles in law suit. How do all the magazines and writers still rave about Toyota and the models that fall into the lawsuit? How does Consumer Reports give all the models an outstanding rating with no engine mechanical problems? From the problems I've read about my model and year I know I'm not the only one, nor is this an isolated few cars. I'll nurse my car until it dies, then never, will I ever buy another Toyota. It's not just the problem that's wrong with the car, it's the arrogance and flat out lying by Toyota that there is an issue with their cars. I will tell everyone that I know who's looking for a car not to buy Toyota and why, maybe I can at least stop one purchase. Now to find another car, who do you consult when all the ratings are misleading to say the least. P.S. Scion is a division of Toyota.
2003Sep 25
Corolla S 1.8L I4
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I took my car to a Toyota dealer because it was using oil. They told me they would have to make me drive it so they could check the level of consumption (apparently it is supposed to use oil). I brought it back a week later with 1 qt less oil. They tried to tell me this is normal. I decided to call Toyota. They told me to take the dealers advice. I called the dealer (Tansky Toyota, Columbus, Ohio), and told them I wanted my car fixed. By this point, the rod bearings were failing. They started telling me it was obviously my fault, and the warranty would not cover it. I threatened to hire an attorney, and then they told me that tey would tear down the engine, and diagnose the problem, but if they determined it was my fault, they would charge me $1500 diagnostic fee. I decided just to fix it myself. $350.00 plus 3 weeks without a car later, and it was fixed.
2006Mar 09
Corolla LX 4 Cilider
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I bought my Toyota 2002 Corolla in 2001 I thought I was buying a car that will last a long time. "wrong" This is the biggest pic of junk that I have ever bought. Just after 65,000 miles I Noticed I was burning maybe a extra quart of oil between oil changes. Appox. 70,000 it was two quarts of oil. Now at near 80,000 I have to put a quart in every 200 miles. The dealer told me that it was my falt because I did not get My spark plugs replaced every 30 thousand miles??????? "Labadie Toyota in bay city Michigan" However there after research I did find this Toyota continues: "To make sure that customers have absolute confidence in their vehicles, this program will cover repair costs and incidental expenses for which a customer has paid or could incur as a result of damage due to oil gelling for a period of eight years from the date of first sale or lease without a mileage limitation. In addition to the costs of repairs, reasonable incidental expenses, such as car rental, and other out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. THIS HAS YET BEEN CONFIRMED so i do not know if they are true to there word. 1-888-802-9436 is a number you can call if you have this problem "this is a number to Toyota for this problem
2007Dec 07
Corolla CE 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 90,099 miles
I leased then bought back my Corolla thinking I was getting a good quality car.
WRONG!!!
I have never felt so cheated in my life.
Thirty thousand dollars later I realized I bought a lemon.
I would never have thought a Toyota could be a lemon!
2006Jul 05
Corolla 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
The Toyota we bought started using excessive amounts of oil between regular oil changes. I couldn't find a leak. Not long after this, I started to hear a 'knock' in the engine that went away after it warmed up. From past experience I knew what the problem was, cracked piston. It's really bad now, to the point that I don't know how long the engine will hold together.
What causes this is the gearing in the transaxle. At around 40-45 mph, the engine is under it's power band and is 'lugging' due to the choice of final (overdrive) gearing in the car. The overdrive should not kick in at such low speeds.
Toyota should own up and replace these engines with ones that include forged pistons. That would be a simple fix for them without changing the gears in the transaxle. They should also fix the overdrive so that it doesn't kick in until proper hiway speeds are met.
I will never own another Toyota ever again.
2007Apr 18
(reported on)Corolla 1.8
- Automatic transmission
- 77,416 miles
The engine has started to knock. They say it might need $1000 or more to fix not sure. Also at last service the engine was down a liter of oil. This has them worried. So we are checking the oil at every fill up for the next 1000 km then we will determine a plan of action. I am worried it might be more than we think and very expensive in the end. They say ok to drive for now. The knock goes away a bit when the engine warms up.
2006Nov 23
Corolla S 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 86,000 miles
I had purchased a used 2002 Toyota Corolla S with about 70000 miles. After about a week I noticed the rear bumper turning black. I brought it to the dealer and they told me i needed to replace the motor. I did. Now 1 YEAR LATER......my motor blew again. WHY???????? NO OIL!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately, I do my own oil changes and have no receipts as I get my parts for free. So now I have to pay for another motor to be put in. I AM PISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007Oct 07
(reported on)Corolla 1.8L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
This 2002 Corolla CE was purchased 2004 from a dealer still under warranty. It had mileage somewhat lower than average and no issues. We have had nothing other than tire problems and have done regular lube and oil changes. In August after a recent oil change, we noted after a trip that the oil was slightly down. It was taken about 150 miles and had lost 1 quart of oil. With no previous problems, we thought that the oil cap had not been secured properly. While waiting for an appointment to recheck the car, we put in a quart of oil and after another 150 mile trip it was again down a quart. This past week we took it to our long known and trusted mechanic who said it is not leaking but burning oil. We were told that this has been a problem that they are seeing in 2002 Corollas and that another car repair person had told him the same and they have gone from loving them to avoiding recommending them. I still owe on this car and have the choice of shellng out at least $3,000 or getting another car, when I hoped to get at least another 2 years before thinking about that. I would like Toyota to acknowledge the issue and make good on repairs on a car that should go a lot more miles. As it stands right now, I'm soured on a car I once thought was terrfic (and research until now backed up).
2007Aug 01
(reported on)Corolla
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I wanted a Toyota Corolla because I thought they were dependable. After only 2 years of having this car I've had to put in 2-3 liters of oil in a week and now my 4th cylinder has given out on me and it is worth nothing. I will never set foot in Toyota ever again and I am very sad to say that I gave such an awful company $12000.
2007Jul 11
(reported on)Corolla CE
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
I too have had problems with my car using excessive oil very early on but didn't keep track of it quite as well as some of the others who have posted. I have kept up with maintenance (though have only been able to produce 7 oil change receipts so far). I reported the oil consumption problem when i had my oil changed a few different times and then to Rivergate Toyota in Madison TN when i had my 60,000 mile check up. They couldn't find a problem and didn't try until i said it was still under extended warranty, couldn't they do something? They put dye in the oil to track the leak when i got my oil changed next. Flash 3,000 miles later, I brought the car back in they reported not being able to find a leak and couldn't determine what was wrong but they found a leak in my transmission which i fixed. The car proceeded to burn up all of the oil in a 700 mile car ride over memorial day weekend. This time however, the engine light came on. Bringing it back to the dealer, they found engine sludge and that is a specific exclusion evidently on the extended warranty. So, they said regardless of whether or not their ignoring of the oil consumption problem was a cause of the engine sludge, they do not fix engine sludge. So, i have a 5 1/2 year old car, with 64,000 miles on it and a $3,000 - $6,000 fix required. This is really bad for Toyota. They need to acknowledge the engine sludge problems that their corolla's have, not just the cars that had the recall for engine sludge.
2006Jul 21
(reported on)Corolla LE
- 38,540 miles
Oil changes done every 3K miles... engine knocks around this time (almost a cue). Dipstick shows "zero" oil! Dealer continues to tell me it is normal for car to require oil at 2K miles! I have changed PCV valve and checked vacuum--all checks good. No noticeable blue smoke out of exhaust to indicate burning oil. Where is the oil going, and more specifically, why is Toyota continuing to deny a problem with the 1.8L engines from this year group?
2005Aug 24
(reported on)Corolla T Spirit
- 26,800 miles
I purchsed the Corolla, new, in March 2002 and have had it serviced annually in April. My wife was driving the car in February this year and noticed the oli light come on, whilst going round corners. I checked the oil level and to my horror, noticed that there was virtually no oil left in the engine. The car had done approx 6500 miles since the last service, in April 2004. I had to fill the engine with 3.5 litres of oil !! I complained to the local dealership and was told to fill it up and that this wasn't outside the oil usage limits. I had it serviced by a different dealership, a month later. In June, approx 2000 miles later, I happened to check the oil level again and once again, it was way down- I had to fill it again with 2 litres of oil. I checked for leaks and couldn't see any anywhere. Took the car into local dealership, who did checks and advised this wasn't unusual, but bring it back in 1000 miles. Due in tomorrow, but again the oil level is down. The car manual actually states that maximum oil consumption is 800 miles per litre, which I find astonishing. This oil loss is totally unacceptable.
2002Aug 09
(reported on)Corolla S
- 15,000 miles
Car was taken to dealership because of engine knocking. Dealer found no oil in engine. Dealer found no leaks. Oil light did NOT come on, nor did check engine light. We put 5 quarts of oil in the car at the last oil change which was 3500 miles ago. We had no reason to check the oil on a new car with only 15,000 miles on it. Dealer will not honor warranty, says it was our fault for not putting oil in car and it will cost $4 - 5 thousand to fix it. We want to find out if anyone else has experienced excessive oil usage in this model car.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 15
Corolla
I bought my Corolla used from a person I knew. I'm certain they took good care of it as I am certain that I take good care of it.
I noticed that the oil was low and filthy in November of 2010. I paid to have an oil leak fixed which I now suspect never existed (I never saw evidence of any oil leak). I currently check my oil every time I get gasoline and I keep a quart in my trunk so that it never gets low.
I bought a Toyota because of their reputation for practical cars that last a really long time. It's irritating that I constantly have to worry about my oil levels; what concerns me more is that the longevity of my car might be reduced.
essorens
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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